Saturday, December 2, 2023
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact Us
Archaeology News Online Magazine
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
    1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • All
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments (PDF)

    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
    Jum Kaash replica, a Maya god.

    The use of hallucinogenic substances in Maya religion and culture

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    Best archaeology books for kids

    10 best archaeology books for kids

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
    1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • All
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Plains Anthropology Society Native American Student Award

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    Manual of Egyptian Archaeology (PDF)

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Joint Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America (January 2024)

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments

    Fresh Light from the Ancient Monuments (PDF)

    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
    Jum Kaash replica, a Maya god.

    The use of hallucinogenic substances in Maya religion and culture

    20 Interesting Books About َArchaeology

    20 Interesting Books About Archaeology

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    5 of the largest empires in ancient history

    king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

    Best archaeology books for kids

    10 best archaeology books for kids

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

    Top universities where you can study Archaeology (University Rankings 2022)

  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
No Result
View All Result
Archaeology News Online Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home News Archaeology

Maya nose ornament made of human bone unearthed at Palenque Ruins

Dario Radley by Dario Radley
September 3, 2023
Share on FacebookShare on Linkedin.Share on RedditShare on WhatsappShare on Tumblr

Archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have discovered an intricately carved nose ornament crafted from human bone, during their excavations at the Maya city of Palenque in Mexico.

Maya nose ornament made of human bone unearthed at Palenque Ruins
Credit: Carlos Varela Scherrer / INAH

The archaeological site of Palenque, also known as Lakamha in the Itza language, is situated near the Usumacinta River in the Mexican state of Chiapas. The recent excavation took place at House C, a part of a palace complex constructed by the revered Mayan ruler Pakal the Great.

The nose ornament, measuring just over 6 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide, is believed to be over 1,100 years old. It is made from a fragment of the human distal tibia, a bone that contributes to the ankle joint.

The artifact features intricate engravings that symbolize ceremonial communication with gods and ancestors, providing valuable insights into the spiritual beliefs and rituals of the Maya civilization.

Maya nose ornament made of human bone unearthed at Palenque Ruins
Credit: INAH

At the heart of the ornament is a carved image of a Mayan man, depicted in profile and adorned with a headdress and a beaded necklace. His arm bears the Mayan glyph for “darkness” or “night.” He is accompanied by a skull and holds a bundle, a common motif in Maya funerary scenes.

RelatedStories

Viking Age silver bracelet unearthed by metal detectorist in Norway

Viking Age silver bracelet unearthed by metal detectorist in Norway

November 13, 2023
Archaeologists uncover ancient 'cult' circular structure in Mexico jungle

Archaeologists uncover ancient ‘cult’ circular structure in Mexico jungle

November 2, 2023

This fascinating depiction suggests that the ornament was worn during ceremonies where individuals embodied K’awiil, the Mayan god associated with lightning, serpents, fertility, and maize.

One of the striking features of this discovery is the ornamental nose ring’s positioning. When worn, it would have rested on the bridge of the nose, creating a continuous line from the forehead to the tip of the nose.

This unique placement likely aimed to mimic the elongated head of K’awiil, who was often depicted as a personification of an ear of corn, a significant symbol in Maya culture.

The excavation of this extraordinary artifact occurred within a ritual deposit, providing evidence of its use in ceremonies and as a symbol of the city’s elite. This deposit dates back to the Late Classic period, between CE 600 and 850, signifying its connection to a particular phase in Palenque’s history.

Maya nose ornament made of human bone unearthed at Palenque Ruins
Credit: INAH

The discovery of the nose ornament was not an isolated find. The deposit also contained seeds, animal remains, obsidian blades, fragments of a bone awl, and even pieces of charcoal. The earth matrix in which the deposit was located was notably dark and rich in charcoal, underscoring the significance of this ritual offering.

Arnoldo González Cruz, the director of the Palenque Archaeological Project (PAP), emphasized the ornament’s remarkable aesthetic quality, featuring precise carving lines within a relatively small space. The composition of the ornament highlights the skilled craftsmanship of the Maya artisans.

Such adornments, often crafted from precious materials like jade, bone, and metals, were typically reserved for the elite, symbolizing their religious roles, political power, or social stature. These ornaments played a pivotal role in Maya rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing the wearer’s profound connection to the divine and the cosmos.

Share90Tweet57Share16ShareSendShare

You May Also Like...

1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement
Archaeology

1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

by Dario Radley
November 23, 2023
Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river
Archaeology

Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

by Dario Radley
November 22, 2023
Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey
Archaeology

Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

by Dario Radley
November 22, 2023
Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery
Archaeology

Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

by Dario Radley
November 21, 2023
Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey
Archaeology

Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

by Dario Radley
November 21, 2023
More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy
Archaeology

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

by Dario Radley
November 20, 2023
Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire
Archaeology

Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire

by Dario Radley
November 19, 2023
Kushan period copper coins resurface at Mohenjo Daro after 93 years
Archaeology

Kushan period copper coins resurface at Mohenjo Daro after 93 years

by Dario Radley
November 19, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
17th-century Frenchwoman's gold dental work was likely torturous to her teeth

17th-century Frenchwoman’s gold dental work was likely torturous to her teeth

February 5, 2023
Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

July 11, 2023
Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

September 4, 2023
8-year-old boy unearths 1,800-year-old Roman coin in school sandbox

8-year-old boy unearths 1,800-year-old Roman coin in school sandbox

August 29, 2023
Archaeologists found evidence of surgery on medieval woman’s skull

Archaeologists found evidence of surgery on medieval woman’s skull

February 15, 2023
Coal miners accidentally discover ancient Roman ship in Serbia

Coal miners accidentally discover ancient Roman ship in Serbia

August 25, 2023
Crusader sword found in Mediterranean was bent, possibly in battle

Crusader sword found in Mediterranean was bent, possibly in battle

August 4, 2023
Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old wooden bridge linking England and Wales

Isles of Scilly Iron Age warrior was a woman, study says

Isles of Scilly Iron Age warrior was a woman, study says

Family ties detected in 17th-century colonial cemetery in Delaware

Family ties detected in 17th-century colonial cemetery in Delaware

4,000-year-old Bronze Age pyramid unearthed in Kazakhstan's steppes

4,000-year-old Bronze Age pyramid unearthed in Kazakhstan’s steppes

Mummy of the Mysterious Lady may have died of cancer

Pregnant Egyptian mummy ‘Mysterious Lady’ may have died of cancer

king Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

King Tutankhamun and the discovery of his mysterious tomb

1,400-year-old possible 'temple' or 'cult house' discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

1,400-year-old possible ‘temple’ or ‘cult house’ discovered at Suffolk royal settlement

November 23, 2023
Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

Historic Civil War weapons discovered in South Carolina river

November 22, 2023
Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

Statuettes of Demeter discovered in Aigai, Turkey

November 22, 2023
Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

Hidden Bronze Age settlements revealed in Serbian plains through satellite imagery

November 21, 2023
Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

Archaeologists unearth over 2,000 seal impressions in ancient Doliche, Turkey

November 21, 2023
More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

November 20, 2023
Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire

Missing monastery linked to oldest Scottish Gaelic manuscript unearthed in Aberdeenshire

November 19, 2023

Archaeology News Online Magazine

Archaeology News is an international online magazine that covers all aspects of archaeology.

Categories

  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Download
  • Game
  • News
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
  • Quiz
  • Tours

Mail Us: info@archaeologymag.com

Subscribe to our newsletter

© 2023 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact Us

About Us  .  Contact Us  .  Donation

  • Homepage
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Education
    • Quiz & Game
  • Virtual Tours
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum

© 2023 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

*By registering into our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

We use cookies to improve your experience and enable functionality and security of this site. Further detail is available in our Privacy Policy. By accepting all cookies, you consent to our use of cookies and use of data.